Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is back and ready to turn heads with its Spring/Summer 2026 edition. The preliminary schedule has dropped, and we cannot wait. This season brings bold debuts from Germany, the Netherlands, and Croatia, marking the first time these countries will take to the Dubai runway. With new designers, fresh perspectives, and global conversations on fashion, tech and sustainability, this is set to be one of the most dynamic editions yet.
What is Dubai Fashion Week?
Dubai Fashion Week is the Middle East’s leading fashion platform, known for connecting regional creativity with international markets. It showcases ready-to-wear, couture, and menswear collections through runway shows, presentations, talks, and industry programming. It’s here that fashion journalists and photographers mull over the collections and check-out the trends and then report back to all. It has become a hub for designers, buyers, media and creatives from around the world.
When is Dubai Fashion Week 2025?
Mark your calendars for 1st to 6th September 2025. Over six days, DFW will present runway shows, presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Where is Dubai Fashion Week?
Dubai Fashion Week takes place in the heart of Dubai Design District (d3), the city’s creative and fashion-forward neighbourhood. Known for its modern architecture and global design community, d3 provides the perfect backdrop for fashion’s most anticipated regional event.
Can anyone go?
While many runway shows are industry-only, a growing number of talks, panels, pop-ups and public activations are open to all. Visitors can explore showrooms, attend fashion talks like Threads Talks, and even connect with designers through curated programmes and exhibitions. Some events may require pre-registration or invitation, so keeping an eye on the official schedule is a good idea.
What are the highlights this year?
One of the major talking points is the arrival of new countries on the DFW schedule. Designers from Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia will present collections in Dubai for the first time, adding fresh creative voices to the mix.
Expected to see regional favourites: Dima Ayad, Les Benjamins and Etoile La Boutique - as featured.
The Buyer's Programme is expanding its reach this year, drawing retailers and fashion insiders from Paris, Milan, London and beyond. Expect serious networking, showrooms, and buyer meetings aimed at giving designers real commercial opportunities.
Tech giant Meta also returns with its popular Threads Talks series. These sessions will focus on pressing topics like AI in design, digital fashion, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviour, offering valuable insight into where fashion is heading next.
Art in the Middle tip
Arrive early to explore open showrooms and get a front-row seat at Threads Talks. And be sure to catch the first-time designers, they often deliver some of the most original collections of the week.
Visit: dubaifashionweek.org
Hayley Alexander
Editor-in chief
London-born storyteller, obsessed with the 90s, beach dinner views, seafood and collecting magazines from all over the world